Flies of North America IndexFlies are prevalent in virtually all habitats, with over 16,000 species in North America. Flies can be distinguished from all other insects in that they only have one pair of wings. Flies have mouthparts adapted for piercing, lapping or sucking fluids.

Flies of North America - Order Diptera. Flies are prevalent in virtually all habitats, with over 16,000 species in North America. Flies can be distinguished from all other insects in that they only have one pair of normal wings. The other pair has evolved into small ball-like structures called halteres. Most flies have compound eyes and mouthparts adapted for piercing, lapping or sucking fluids. Syrphidae | Flies Index | Tachinidae | Bee Flies | Robber Flies